A Vegan Runner’s Favorite Things in 2017

I discovered a ton of “favorite things” in 2017 that I think you’re going to love. Honestly, it was a little hard to pick my absolute favorite things and I am sure that I’m forgetting something noteworthy, but I did my best! Check out my favorite running stuff, vegan food, and restaurants in 2017!

Running Stuff

Philadelphia Marathon – Obviously, I chose this as my favorite race of the year because it was my first marathon. First of many! I plan on running the NJ marathon in the spring of 2018 and I am DEFINITELY running Philly again in the fall of 2018 because it was the perfect race.

BFF Pro Electric Foam Roller and Medical Grade Massager – This is my favorite purchase of the year. Hands down. I stumbled upon this handy recovery tool at the Philly Marathon expo and I ordered one on the spot. I use it before every run to warm up and after every run to recover. I swear it’s going to be a game changer for my performance and my recovery! Well worth the investment.

Roller Recovery R8 Roller – This roller is perfect for on-the-go. I bring it to all of my races and I use it right after I finish to help ensure that my muscles don’t lock up. Getting equal pressure from the two ends of the roller is key. It’s two times as effective as a traditional foam roller and it won’t break down from overuse!

JayBird X3 Bluetooth Headphones – I bought these one week before Philly because I had been using a pair of cheap, terrible Bluetooth headphones for months and I was fed up. These are so much more comfortable and the sound quality is substantially better. I 10/10 recommend these to everyone looking for Bluetooth headphones! Don’t make the same mistake I did and try to get by on the $30 ones you found on Amazon, so not worth it!

Brooks Ravenna 8 – This year I switched from the Brooks Ghost to the Brooks Ravenna and I don’t see myself going back anytime soon! Now running shoes are super specific to every runner so don’t go switching just because I did!! If the Ghosts are working for you, stick to them! But if they’re not and you need a little extra support, I highly recommend giving these a try! I use them with the purple Super Feet.

Vega – Acai Berry Sugar Free Energizer – This stuff is a game changer in the gym! I try not to use it on running days (just because I have a natural energy surge due to my love for the run) but I don’t have quite the same feelings towards the gym… This sugar-free pre-workout really gives me an edge at the gym without all of the questionable ingredients.

Vegan Food

Hilary’s Hemp & Greens Veggie Burger – I found these for the first time this year and they are so addicting! I like to pop one in the oven and add it to a big pile of steamed veggies and an avocado.

Forager Project – Cashewgurt – This is the yogurt I just mentioned above! I go through a couple containers a week. It is super addicting and satisfying, especially with some crushed up cashews! Now I know it sounds excessive… cashews in cashew yogurt. Just trust me, try it.

Better Bean – Cuban Black Beans – I LOVE this stuff. The Cuban black beans are by far my favorite flavor. I’d tell you how I incorporate it into my meal but I honestly eat it right out of the container with a spoon most of the time. Whoops!

Dr. Praeger’s California Veggie Burgers – I found these later in the year at my local Trader Joe’s. I have to admit – they taste SO good. I was a little skeptical at first but then I tried them and they have such a cool flavor! I usually have two at a time but they are delicious, to say the least.

Hope Foods Spicy Avocado Hummus – This hummus is by far the best hummus I’ve ever tried. The texture, flavors (spicy avocado and kale pesto are my favorites), and variety are 100% on point!

Manitoba Hemp Seeds Maple Cinnamon Hemp Heart Toppers – I got really into hemp seeds this year. And when I say really, I mean I put them on top of everything! I like to put these maple cinnamon hemp heart toppers on top of yogurt for the texture but they are also really good on smoothie bowls in the summer and oatmeal in the winter!

Soom Foods Tahini – This tahini is substantially better than any other tahini that I’ve ever tried! It’s drippy and runny and doesn’t need to be stirred 1,000 times. I drizzled it on nearly every bowl I consumed this year!

Yogi Lemon Ginger Tea – I’ve had a cup of this lemon ginger tea every night this year. No joke. I haven’t missed a single night. It’s so good for my digestion and it is really relaxing at the end of a long day!

Favorite Meal: Vegan Chili + Avocado Toast + Polenta – I swear, I’ve had this meal more nights than not this year. The chili has been my favorite recipe for years, but the combination of the chili with the polenta and avocado really puts this meal over the edge!

Restaurants

Vedge – My family took me here for my 21st birthday back in January and it was the best meal I’ve ever had. I think if I could eat here, even just once a year, I’d die happy. See that soft pretzel up there? It’s warm and housemade… Enough said.

VStreet – This restaurant is owned by the same people that own Vedge. When I tried it this December, I knew it was going to be good before I even took a bite. My expectations were blown. out. of. the. water. I took my mom here the weekend before Christmas and she was convinced it wasn’t a vegan restaurant!

Beyond Sushi – I took a food field trip to meet two of my Instagram friends for lunch and I could have eaten every single thing off of the menu! Vegan sushi? I swear it’s amazing! The flavor combos were so unique and I can’t wait to go back to try more rolls!

Heart Beet Kitchen – This is the only restaurant in South Jersey that I know of that serves vegan food at such a high quality! My favorite time to go is after a Sunday long run for brunch. My favorite dish is definitely a tie between their tofu scramble bagel sandwich and their coconut bacon BLT.

I had SO much fun experimenting with new foods, running gear, and experiences this year and I can’t wait to see what comes in 2018! I’ll be sure to take you all along for the ride.